Rigatoni

Rigatoni is a renowned Italian pasta, characterized by its large, tube-like shape. It is larger than penne and ziti but lacks the pronounced curve of elbow macaroni. What distinguishes rigatoni are the ridges running along its length, which sometimes spiral around the tube. Additionally, it has square-cut ends, giving it a distinctive appearance.

The name "rigatoni" is derived from the Italian word "rigato" meaning "ridged" or "lined." This pasta is a staple in southern and central Italian cuisine, with a smaller variant called rigatoncini that is roughly the size of penne. The suffix "-ino" in Italian signifies "small" indicating its diminutive size.

Rigatoni is especially popular in southern regions of Italy, including Sicily. The ridges on the pasta enhance its ability to hold sauces and grated cheese, making it ideal for hearty dishes. Unlike smooth pastas like ziti, rigatoni’s textured surface ensures that every bite is rich with flavor.